Well, you're absolutely right that the information & statistics available on Herpes 1 vs. Herpes 2 is both very inconsistent and also very confusing! Sometimes it feels like the more you read about it, the more confused you get! Luckily, you really have nothing to worry about. Yes, the majority of the population IS positive for HSV-1 (oral herpes), but it is usually not sexually transmitted. Most people develop the HSV-1 antibodies at some point in childhood and only a fraction of those people will ever even get an actual cold sore (many people test positive for HSV-1 and are confused because they've never had a cold sore; and they probably never will). Really, the important thing to know is that cold sores are contagious and both HSV-1 & HSV-2 can both be transmitted from the oral to genital region or vice-versa, so you Definitely want to avoid kissing or engaging in oral sex if you or your partner has an active cold sore (or any sore for that matter). Other than that, HSV-1 and cold sores are nothing to be too concerned about. Being positive for oral herpes on an STD screening does NOT actually mean that you have an STD, you have likely been positive since you were a child and did not get this through any type of sexual contact.
Basically, you just want to use common sense and avoid sexual contact or kissing when you have a cold sore and that's pretty much it. If your cold sore outbreaks do become more frequent or painful, you can get a prescription for a daily suppressive therapy which will help to treat oral sores (i.e. Valtrex which is also used for genital herpes outbreaks).
I hope this helps clear things up at least a little bit. Please feel free to ask if you have any other questions or need any more information.
04-10-2010, 08:17 PM
Herpes 1
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